Ice fishing: A different type of day on the Big Lake

A fishing license opens up a world of outdoor wonders, and if you get one for the weekend of Feb. 7-8, along with a derby ticket, you can participate in the annual Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby for cash prizes as large as $15,000.

A frozen lake doesn’t mean the water-filled fun stops in this area. A fishing license provides an opportunity to head out for a different day than normal on Lake Winnipesaukee.

For 47 years, the Meredith Rotary Club has provided for a winter adventure with a fishing derby full of things to do, from a kids clinic to hands-on activities scattered throughout nearby Lakes Region communities. And since 1982, the club has donated more than $2 million to local community-serving organizations.

But before we talk best practices, let’s get to ice fishing basics.

Not your average fishing trap

When that orange flag tips up, the adrenaline rush that hits is enough to propel anglers across the ice to the hole. After all, the catch of the day could be on the line.

Most winter anglers use tip-ups, a wooden or plastic device used to suspend live or frozen bait at a set depth through an ice hole drilled by an auger. They're designed for anglers to "set it and forget it," and when a fish takes the bait, the orange flag mechanism is triggered, waving as a beacon of success.

Other times, anglers can use ready-to-go jig sticks. A jig stick is for someone who prefers vertical fishing, but instead of a complex reel, users wind the string about the stick.

At AJ’s Custom Products in the Winnisquam Country Store in Tilton, ice fishers can also find Alan Nute’s custom-made bucktail jig, which was used by the person who caught last year’s winning trout, Kevin Jackson, of Bristol.

“My bucktail jigs have won several tournaments throughout the country,” Nute said in a phone interview Friday.

He’ll be at the store all derby weekend, helping answer questions on tackle and bait, among other things. Bait is a major part of the fishing equation. Frozen or live?

Local experts across the Lakes Region, including Nute, overwhelmingly said live bait was the way to go, with smelt, shiners and suckers being the most popular.

AJ’s sells all of the above, along with popup shelters too, in case you need an escape from the frozen tundra.

Berry’s Bait in Alton Bay was also ready for the weekend, with suckers in stock along with shiners, smelt, worms, dillies, crawlers, mealworms and spikes. Tickets for the derby are available at the store, too, as well as Nute’s bucktail jigs.

Derby details

The Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby will have the Big Lake dotted with anglers and avid outdoor enthusiasts, all hoping for a chance to take home the grand prize.

Participants have the opportunity to win big, with more than $80,000 available, including $15,000 cash for first place; $5,000 cash for second place; and $3,000 for third.

Last year’s derby winners include Kevin Jackson, of Bristol, first place; Evan Koes, of Pelham, second place; and David Holton, of Orlando, Florida, third place.

Nute remembers attending the first derby as a kid, when it was a lot more difficult to win a top spot.

“They had the headquarters on the ice back then. Back then, you had to catch a tagged fish that the state had stocked,” he said. “It was almost impossible to do. The odds were so far against you.”

Today’s derby headquarters is located at Hesky Park at the Meredith Town Docks. It’s important to remember: All qualifying fish must be logged at headquarters for the chance at a cash prize.

The trailer there offers a brief respite from the bitter New England wind that’s been lapping at cheekbones all morning.

The trailer opens Thursday, Feb. 5, and will remain open throughout the event.

Drop a line & relax

Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to get prepped for the big day.

Getting a fishing license is a good place to start, and the State of New Hampshire makes it easy for residents to secure one for a small fee online at nhfishandgame.com.

If you prefer a tangible card, check out this handy list of brick-and-mortar retailers which sell licenses at wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits/license-agents.

And don’t forget your derby tickets, which can be purchased at icefishingnh.com.

If you don’t want to physically cast a line, you don’t need a license to participate. Next and equally important is preparation for being out on the ice.

Scout a safe spot where the thickness is known to be more than 8 inches deep. Accessing the ice is equally important, and note the ice is thinner near the shoreline.

Gear can be heavy, so having the forethought to scout your location is never a bad thing.

Prepare to dress in your warmest outdoor gear, from wool socks and muckboots to fleece-lined neck warmers. It’s smart thinking to bring extra clothes, too, because you will get damp out on the ice — especially if it’s sunny.

Get your bait, and get it early, as derby weekend is a madhouse for finding the fresh stuff. Nute agreed.

“Friday is the crazy day.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.